Multiple Representations of Learning in Dynamics and Control: Exploring the Synergy of Low-Cost Portable Lab Equipment, Virtual Labs, and AI within Student Learning Activities

该项目旨在通过开发包含四个开源组件的动力学和控制学习包来服务于国家利益，以改善工程教育。修读动力学、振动和控制理论课程的工程学学生，由于内容的高度数学性、缺乏先验知识和有限的教学工具，往往难以深入理解复杂的工程概念。这个参与的学生学习2级项目旨在开发学习包，提供多种知识表示，帮助学生在实践中架起理论与实践之间的桥梁，发展解决问题的技能，并在实际环境中全面了解振动和控制理论。这个项目有可能通过探索这些多重表征对教职员工和学生最有效的方式来提高对学生学习的理解。建议的学习包包括四个主要组成部分：(1)3D打印实验设备设计；(2)虚拟模拟；(3)基于虚拟助手的人工智能支持；以及(4)引导式学习活动。项目团队计划探索三个研究问题：(1)在精心设计的使用动手设备和虚拟模拟的人工智能辅助学习体验的背景下，学习包可以在多大程度上增强学生在动态和控制方面的学习能力？(2)为什么潜在用户选择使用动力学和控制学习包的一个或多个部分？(3)动态和控制学习包中的哪些元素或元素组合对其用户最有益？该项目符合NSF的愿景，即消除参与STEM的障碍，并符合其目标，即增强STEM学习者的能力，同时创造关于学习过程的新知识。NSF IUSE：EDU计划支持研究和开发项目，以提高所有学生的STEM教育的有效性。通过参与的学生学习路径，该计划支持有前景的实践和工具的创建、探索和实施。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

This project aims to serve the national interest by developing dynamics and control learning packages with four open-source components to improve engineering education. Engineering students taking dynamics, vibrations, and control theory courses often struggle to acquire a deep understanding of complex engineering concepts due to the highly mathematical nature of the content, lack of prior knowledge, and limited teaching tools. This Engaged Student Learning Level 2 project intends to develop learning packages to offer multiple representations of knowledge that can help students bridge theory with practice, develop problem-solving skills, and gain a comprehensive understanding of vibrations and control theory in a practical context. This project has the potential to produce advancements in understanding of student learning by exploring what ways these multiple representations are most effective for faculty and students.The proposed learning packages include four main components: (1) 3D printed lab equipment designs; (2) virtual simulations; (3) virtual assistant-based AI support; and (4) guided learning activities. The project team plans to explore three research questions: (1) To what degree can learning packages enhance student learning capabilities around dynamics and controls within the context of carefully designed AI-assisted learning experiences using hands-on equipment and virtual simulations? (2) Why do potential users choose to use one or more parts of the dynamics and control learning package? (3) Which element or combinations of elements in the dynamics and controls learning package are most beneficial for its users? This project aligns with NSF’s vision to remove barriers to participation in STEM, and with its goal of empowering STEM learners while creating new knowledge about the learning process. The NSF IUSE: EDU Program supports research and development projects to improve the effectiveness of STEM education for all students. Through the Engaged Student Learning track, the program supports the creation, exploration, and implementation of promising practices and tools.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.